This may be a more challenging book report for the kids because there are two components to the activity portion. They will create a plot line and also a cartoon strip. Here is an example of a student practice plot line. Fantasy books offer great opportunities for interesting and involved stories - an excellent way of working toward proficiency in correctly writing plot lines. My objective is also for them to summarize a part of their novel through the unique activity of cartoon strips.

Although we don't get into extended plot lines, in 5th grade, we create an example of the advanced plot line on the board. They like the way they don't have to make the story fit around one climax. I address this in detail in my reflection.

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The students will be reading various fantasy books for their book report. Due to the fact that they'll be doing twice as much for this book report as most of the others, I like to give them time in the library working on their plot lines in library. Here is the Fantasy Book Report Criteria that I use to assess students on this project.

Differentiation is at work here. Although both aspects of the response must be completed, most likely, one may be easier than the other to complete depending on the child. For instance, if a student really enjoys art, then the cartoon strip may seem like a pleasant task, but if the student is intimidated by his/her artwork then they may be quite happy with the chance to put the plot line together.

I don't tell them which of the activities they need to work on at the library, but I do let them know that they should pick the one that is most challenging. This way, when they're at home they have the easier of the tasks to complete.

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This is a fun book report to present because the kids enjoy showing off their finished cartoon strip projects. As far as intimidation about art work is concerned, they had the option to use computer generated images, etc. so it's all about the creativity they bring to the project. There are usually many laughs as we look at the cartoon strips.

When a child stands up to present, I give them the option to present either the plot line or the cartoon strip- not both. Time constraints make it difficult to explain both thoroughly, but the book reports are hung up on the bulletin board for all to inspect at their leisure.

I enjoy when they choose to present their Plot Lines. The skills of choosing and then organizing plot information systematically into the "mountain" helps students review what they comprehended from their novel. When presenting these plot lines, it reinforces other students' understanding of how a story often progresses.

With all the lack of resource and constant pressures teachers face today, I was having difficulty slowing down to put together a basic lesson in plot line for my fifth grade readers. Your shared lesson helped me focus and prepare well for my students' learning. I'm very grateful you shared your ideas - for their sake as well as mine. Thank you for the clarity!